The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Kernel Score: 87% · 6,026 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Released: 1939-08-15
Runtime: 102 minutes
Is The Wizard of Oz worth watching?
Must-watch. Dorothy is swept to a colourful land where she and three odd friends seek the Wizard. It's a joyful, inventive classic with unforgettable songs, and it holds up for children and adults who haven't seen it yet.
Watch it if you
- want a classic family film
- love big musical numbers
- want to share an old favourite with children
Skip it if you
- dislike old-style musicals
- have young children who find the witch frightening
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Wizard of Oz
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Young Dorothy finds herself in a magical world where she makes friends with a lion, a scarecrow and a tin man as they make their way along the yellow brick road to talk with the Wizard and ask for the things they miss most in their lives. The Wicked Witch of the West is the only thing that could stop them.
The Wizard of Oz parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that this classic fantasy has a scary witch, a tornado, and some intense imagery, but is a beloved family staple.
- Violence & scariness: Some — A menacing witch, flying monkeys, and a tornado may frighten young or sensitive children.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Wizard of Oz
If you liked The Wizard of Oz, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- The Princess Bride (1987) — 85%: Charming fairy-tale adventure with humour and heart
- The NeverEnding Story (1984) — 83%: Journey into a magical world and a child's imagination
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) — 87%: A child discovers a magical world
- Fantasia (1940) — 84%: Classic imaginative animation set to music
- Alice in Wonderland (1951) — 81%: Child falls into a strange, colourful fantasy world
- Stardust (2007) — 84%: Fairy-tale adventure with a witch and a quest
Director
Victor Fleming
Cast
- Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale
- Ray Bolger as "Hunk" / Scarecrow
- Jack Haley as "Hickory" / Tin Man
- Bert Lahr as "Zeke" / Cowardly Lion
- Frank Morgan as Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz
- Margaret Hamilton as Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West
- Billie Burke as Glinda
- Charley Grapewin as Uncle Henry
- Pat Walshe as Nikko
- Clara Blandick as Auntie Em
The Wizard of Oz FAQ
Is The Wizard of Oz worth watching?
Must-watch. Dorothy is swept to a colourful land where she and three odd friends seek the Wizard. It's a joyful, inventive classic with unforgettable songs, and it holds up for children and adults who haven't seen it yet.
Where can I watch The Wizard of Oz?
In the US you can stream The Wizard of Oz on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Wizard of Oz OK for kids?
The Wizard of Oz is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that this classic fantasy has a scary witch, a tornado, and some intense imagery, but is a beloved family staple.
What movies are like The Wizard of Oz?
If you liked The Wizard of Oz, try The Princess Bride, The NeverEnding Story, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Fantasia.